It is the last day to finalize training detail and the first day the team meets with our Leader Alexandra who will be responsible for providing the cycling and softball spectator services and guiding a team of strangers who have volunteered to take time out of their busy lives to assist in providing whatever is needed to ensure that our spectators comprised mainly of family members and friends who have come to support their Special Olympics athletes are welcomed and taken care of.

Alexandra is very thorough, detail orientated and committed to her team of volunteers. Having spoken to her briefly on the phone, she expressed her gratitude and joy so effusively that I was left feeling so valued and honoured to be a volunteer. I was not alone in that experience. Other team members told me that they also felt very welcomed and were eager to learn how they could be of service. Being a team leader meant I had the opportunity to develop leadership skills on a whole different level.

Our venue includes two sports: cycling and softball, both very popular and outdoor sports…which mean lots of sunscreen and mandatory hats! I am looking forward to bonding with my team and it is not going to be a difficult thing to do, because they are all the perfect team with the willingness to take on our adventure of volunteerism.